in which it is indigenous. This affords an illustration of the fact that in 

 acclimatisation experiments one must not adhere too slavishly to the climato 

 and soil conditions of a plant in its original habitat. 



The Tropical AgriculturUt states that, " certainly for beauty of foliage, for 

 tenacity of vitality (it scarcely ever fails in planting), for fair rapidity of 

 growth and value of timber at a comparatively early age, it is one of the moat 

 valuable gifts ^Aliich Australia has bestowed on Ceylon. It flourislies from sea 

 level to 6,000 feet, and wc do not wtmder at its popularity and wide diffusion. 

 If a Casuarina or a Frcnrhi Is allowed to grow somewhat big in the nursery it 

 almost infallibly dies when jjlanted out, while the (Irovillea flourishes equally 

 "as a seedling, a well-grown plant, or as a stump. 



The faith felt in the beneficial influence of Grevilleas, planted along with tea 

 especially, continues to gather strength among Ceylon planters. These trees 

 afford shelter from the \vind, supply an ample litter with fallen leaves, and 

 the roots penetrate and open up what is often a hard sub-soil." ' 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE 1. 



A. Flower-bud. 



B. Expanded flower — (a) Corolla, Cb) Ovary, which is stipitate, (c) 



Style, 

 c. Petal (Bentham's perianth-lobe), with sessile anther. 



D. Stigma. 



E. Pedicel with ovary, the corolla removed — (o) Pedicel, (6) Stipitate 



ovary, (c) Semiannular disc, 

 r. Follicles showing the dehiscence, 

 e. Seed, winged all round. 



OieviUea striata, E,.Br. 



Western Beepwood. 



Botanical Name. — Striata (Latin), channelled, fluted; in botany, striate, 

 in reference to the longitudinal markings of the leaves. 



Vernacular Names. — " Beefwood " is a name of well-nigh nniversal 

 application in the districts in which it is foundi. The appearance of the 

 fresh timber resembles that of raw beef a good deal. I have known it to 

 be called " Silvery Honeysuckle " by reason of its glaucous or silvery foliage 

 ,when young. 



Leaves. — The long leaves are eaten by stock, including horses; but the 

 foliage is rather sparse and woody, and it cannot be regarded as a very good 

 fodder plant. (Peacock.) 



Flowers. — The long spikes of creamy, yellow flowers are very handsome. 

 It often flowers in December. 



Timber. — Its appearance has already been described. It is the best fencing- 

 timber in much of the country in which it grows. It is very durable, and 

 it never rots, according to some authorities. It is better, however, in split, 

 Tather than in round posts. 



Mr. E. J. Dalton, of Wanaaring, says of it : — 



Very useful, as it stands woll in the ground. Ha^•e used it for house-blocks, 

 posts, furniture, strong flooring, well-slabs, picture-frames. It Is not much 

 good for bullock-yokes, although extensively used, as it is very liable to split. 

 It should be very good for railway sleepers, as it Insts well in the ground. 

 Have also seen it used for roofing shingles, as it is a flue splitting wood. No 

 good for firewood. 



The timber is used for gate-making, and also for panelling of various 

 kinds. 



